Crochet Basics: Popcorn Stitch
The popcorn stitch is a cute and playful stitch that adds puffs of texture to crochet fabric. Although this stitch might seem complicated at first, it is one of the easiest textured stitches to master. It is worked in the same manner as the puff stitch, but you do not pull the yarn through the loops on the hook until the very end. In this photo tutorial I will walk you through making Popcorn Stitches and working into them in subsequent rows/rounds.
Popcorn stitches at the beginning of a row are made slightly differently from those in the middle of a row. I have therefore split the instructions up into 2 parts to cover both methods.
Some tips to start
Popcorn stitches will usually be separated by one or two chain stitches. The first chain stitch will “close” the popcorn in most patterns. The second chain stitch is only used when making popcorn stitches right next to each other. They act as “spacers” so that the popcorn stitches don’t crowd each other.
When making popcorn stitches right next to each other in a row, you will usually skip a stitch between popcorn stitches to give them room to breathe.
When making popcorn stitches right next to each other in the round, you don’t generally skip a stitch between popcorn stitches, as they will fan away from each other.
When you make your Popcorn stitches, they will partially hide the top of the next stitch to be worked into. Check the stitches of the Popcorn to make sure that you don’t accidentally skip the next stitch. If you are meant to skip the next stitch, this will help prevent you from skipping 2 stitches.
Do you use the popcorn stitch in your projects? How do you make your popcorn stitches and do you have any tips and tricks for making them easier?
Method 1 - Used when starting a row or round with a Popcorn stitch.
Step 1
Practice popcorn stitch with your favorite yarn, matching the hook size to the yarn weight. Begin with a starting chain with an odd number of stitches. You can start with 19 chain stitches.
Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 1 single crochet into every stitch.
Step 2
*Work 1 single crochet, then 1 popcorn stitch. Repeat from * across the row. End with 1 single crochet. To form a popcorn stitch, work 5 double crochets into the same stitch. It should look like a fan or a shell.
Step 3
Pull up the active loop on your hook so it is large and you don't have to worry about losing it. Then, remove your hook from the loop. Count back five double crochet stitches and insert your hook into the first double crochet you made. With your hook still in the first double crochet, go through the loose active loop. Once the loop is around your hook you can tighten the loop again.
Step 4
Draw the active loop through the loops of the first double crochet to close up and complete the popcorn stitch. A finished popcorn stitch should look like a tiny cup made of double crochets.
Method 2 - Used when making a Popcorn Stitch in the middle of a row/round.
Step 1
Work 5 double crochets in the indicated space in your project. To practice, you may choose any space in the middle.
Step 2
Remove your hook from the last double crochet and insert it into the first double crochet of the 5-dc group. Then, insert your hook into the last double crochet.
Step 3
Draw the active loop through the loops of the first double crochet to close up and complete the popcorn stitch.
would like to see the popcorn stitch with written directions for doing it in the round
Thank you